SPLC labels parents’ rights organization “hate group”
The Southern Poverty Law Center has released its annual Hate and Extremism report. The report has gained criticism over the years due to it labeling conservative groups as radical. This year among other groups, the liberal watchdog group has added more controversial picks to its list. Among the over 12-hundred groups labeled a hate group, the SPLC has added Mom’s for Liberty. The group founded two years ago is a group that advocates for the rights of parents concerning the education of students in public schools. The SPLC claims the group is anti-government, and is racist because of claims they target, blacks, and LGBT groups. The SPLC claims by objecting to “inclusive curriculum” this group is proving its racist motives. The organization claims peaceful protests by the group and affiliation to the Republican party are also reasons for them being labeled an extremist, far-right group. The co-founders of Moms for Liberty released a statement calling their efforts an attempt to empower parents with children in the public school system. The statement further says, “name-calling parents who want to be a part of their child’s education further exposes what this battle is about…who fundamentally gets to decide what is taught to our kids in school parents or government employees.” Moms for Liberty says they will continue the fight for parental rights regardless of being labeled as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Group calls for prayer for Israel
A group recently held a prayer rally for the nation of Israel. The group called for prayer recently during a Global Day of Prayer for Israel and other nations. The group called for an organized prayer event beginning with a time of fasting. The group then participated with others in a time of prayer for Israel in the city of Jerusalem. The goal according to the group is to have millions of Christians praying for Israel. Christians from all over the world gathered in Jerusalem for the event. Mike Bickle, who organized the event says it’s important for Christians to pray for Israel now more than ever.
University Softball Team gives God praise for success
Several players on a university softball team used their platform to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The University of Oklahoma women’s softball team won their third national NCAA championship recently on June 8th. The team becomes the second team to win three national titles in a row. Several of the players on the team used the national spotlight to share their faith in Christ. Prior to the win members of the team were asked how they keep their joy during the softball season. Grace Lyons, the team’s captain told reporters that the only way to have joy that doesn’t fade is from the Lord. Lyons told reporters, “Any other type of joy is actually happiness that comes from circumstances and outcomes.” Several of Lyons’ teammates agreed telling reporters their joy on and off the field came from a relationship with Jesus Christ and not because of winning. The team’s head coach, Patty Gasso went on to tell reporters that God spoke to her telling her she was being given this platform to win souls, not to win games. Gasso says once she surrendered her will to the Lord the atmosphere of the team began to change. The Oklahoma Sooners Softball team beat Florida State 3-1 in the College World Series and currently holds a 53-game winning streak, an NCAA record.
SNBC Health Report: researchers warn of sweetener side effects
Researchers believe the byproduct of an artificial sweetener maybe harmful to the human body. Researchers at North Carolina State University are reporting some new information about a popular sweetener. The sugar substitute sucralose, which is found in food products here in the U.S. was recently studied at the college. Researchers found sucralose can cause damage to the body’s DNA and other issues. According to the report, researchers believe the sweetener increases the risk of cancer and may cause leaks in the lining of the intestines. The team researching the sweetener found the leak in this area of the body may lead to long term damage, such as a condition nicknamed leaky gut. This symptom could lead to the sweetener leaking into the bloodstream affecting various parts of the body. Another doctor not associated with this study found sucralose has negative effects on heart, oxygen levels, and can cause an increase of inflammation in the body. One researcher participating in the study commented that he would rather consumers just use sugar instead of sucralose because of the possible health issues over time. There are other options if you want to avoid sugar: agave nectar, honey, molasses, stevia, and date syrup are all forms of natural sweeteners.